Useful Information

History of Badsey Flower Show

The first flower show at Badsey was held in 1888. It originally included not only Badsey and Aldington, but also the neighbouring village of Wickhamford. Shows prior to 1937 were held on a Wednesday, but due to a steady decline in entries the annual event was switched to a Saturday. Badsey is one of the earliest flower shows in the area, its date being determined as the nearest Saturday to St. James day, July 25th.

The reason that this is only the 106th show, though the first show was 119 years ago, is due to to the fact that the show was not held in certain years, the war years for example.

Badsey Flower Show has not radically changed over the years, it has been held on the Recreation Ground in Sands Lane since the 20's. For many years Billy Kimberley brought his funfair to the event, with its bumper cars, sidestalls, and carousel adding colour to the Recreation Ground.

The show has been opened by various local and national politicians and celebrities over the years. One of the most noted in recent years was Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Sullivan in TV's Coronation Street.

In the early days of the show it was possible for entrants who won three years running to 'keep the cup'. Local historian, Terry Sparrow, tells the story of how an ancestor of his won on three occasions, and was about to claim the cup when it was decided by the committee that the three year stipulation would be raised to five years. Terry says that despite this his relation won twice more, and kept the cup, to the chagrin of the committee. Since then all cups and trophies won, have had to be handed back, prior to the following year's show.

An Easy Guide for First Time Exhibitors

If you are thinking about exhibiting something at Badsey Flower Show, but are not sure what to do, let us help you.

Before you can decide what to enter at the show they will need a 'schedule'. 

This is a booklet which gives details of all of the various classes. Whilst you are looking at the schedule check out the various rules which may effect your entries, to see if there are any restrictions regarding size of exhibit, materials to be used, etc..

The next thing to do is to fill in an entry form, this is usually supplied with the schedule. Once you have filled it in, either drop it into the flower show entry box at the Spar shop in High Street, or take your form along to the Entry Night at Badsey First School, on Tuesday 21st July between 6pm and 9pm. All entries must be accompanied by the relevant entry fees. 

On the morning of Flower Show day, take your exhibit, to the Recreation Ground in Sands Lane, between 8am and 10.30am. You will be shown where to display your exhibit. After 10.30am the marquees are cleared of exhibitors and the judging commences. All judging is done on Flower Show day except for the judging of Gardens, Hanging Baskets and Garden Tubs located in Badsey or Aldington.

When you return in the afternoon you can see how you have done. The marquees open at 2pm with the prize-giving taking place later in the afternoon. But remember, you will not be able to remove your exhibit from the marquee until after 5pm.